QinetiQ aids Dstl response to disruptive technologies
QinetiQ is to lead the Weapons Sector Research Framework (WSRF) contract for the UK Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), working with MBDA and Thales under a five-year contract worth up to £300 million.
Under the deal, announced on 28 July, QinetiQ and its partners will offer Dstl easy access to more than 70 industry and academic suppliers, in order to develop and exploit technology for the benefit of the UK armed forces.
Gary Aitkenhead, Chief Executive of Dstl, said: ‘The WSRF brings together our key partners, SMEs and academia to develop the solutions defence and security need in a fast evolving world.’
One key objective of WSRF, which replaces the Weapons Science and Technology Centre contract, is to cover the overall scope of the Future Kinetic Effects and Weapons (FKEW) programme. QinetiQ will assist Dstl by accelerating the process of responding to the use of emerging and disruptive technology such as directed-energy weapons.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Details revealed on Germany’s big spending plans]()
Details revealed on Germany’s big spending plans
In May this year, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the government plans to position Germany as “Europe's strongest conventional army”. A new blueprint outlines how this is going to occur through massive investment.
-
![European Council to deliver at “pace and scale” on European defence readiness 2030 roadmap]()
European Council to deliver at “pace and scale” on European defence readiness 2030 roadmap
Two of the concrete projects outlined in the readiness report, the European Air Shield and Space Shield, will aim to be launched by Q2 2026.
-
![Malaysia’s defence budget sets out major procurement goals for 2026]()
Malaysia’s defence budget sets out major procurement goals for 2026
The country has allocated RM21.70 billion for defence spending next year, with some major procurements set to be initiated across the country’s army, navy and air force.
-
![GAO highlights the need for more commercial data and availability improvements]()
GAO highlights the need for more commercial data and availability improvements
The US Government Accountability Office recently released two reports; one into the availability of selected equipment and another looking at how the government gets data and intellectual property rights through contracting.
-
![How Canada plans to “seize” the opportunity to increase investments in defence]()
How Canada plans to “seize” the opportunity to increase investments in defence
The Canadian Department of National Defence has been increasing efforts to accelerate the acquisition of new equipment and modernise its in-service inventory.
